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ICM calculator for poker tournaments
Solve push/fold under ICM pressure and calculate final-table deals with the same math (Malmuth-Harville) the pros use. Verified engine, no gimmicks.
Is pushing this hand +EV? We compute $EV(push) vs $EV(fold) considering the ICM pressure of the remaining payouts.
Want to go beyond the calculator?
This tool solves the spot but doesn't teach you how to read it. At Academy Poker GTO we structure your learning from basic ICM theory all the way to advanced bubble and final-table spots, with instant feedback from the AI tutor and a practice trainer.
Frequently asked questions
What is ICM in poker?
ICM (Independent Chip Model) is the mathematical model that translates your chips into real money while accounting for the remaining prizes. Unlike cash games, in tournaments chips aren't worth the same: the first chips are always worth more than the last, because doubling your stack doesn't double your chances of winning first place.
What's the difference between Push/Fold ICM and Chip Chop?
Push/Fold ICM answers the question 'do I push or fold in this spot?' considering equity, the opponent's calling range and prize-jump pressure. Chip Chop calculates how much money each player is owed if you stop the tournament here and negotiate a deal — it's the formula the pros use at final tables so they don't get the short end of a deal.
How do you calculate equity on the bubble?
On the bubble, ICM equity is calculated by comparing your stack against the remaining stacks and the prize structure. ICM pressure makes calling ranges that would be correct in chip-EV become incorrect: you're more willing to fold because surviving is worth more than doubling your stack.
Push or fold with 10bb on the BTN?
With 10bb effective and a reasonable table, the Nash push range on the BTN is around 39% of hands: any pair, all Ax, high suited Kx, strong suited connectors and broadways. Under ICM pressure (final table, nearby prize jumps), that range tightens to roughly 20-30%.
Why do prizes have to be in descending order?
Because ICM assigns $EV to each position: first prize is the highest, second is lower, and so on. If you enter them out of order, the calculation doesn't reflect the tournament's real structure and the result becomes meaningless.
Does it work for HU (heads-up) and a full final table?
Yes. The calculator supports 2 to 9 players in both modes. In Push/Fold we model the HU sub-game between you and the defender; the rest of the table contributes to ICM through the prize structure.
Does the calculator store my data?
No, unless you explicitly hit 'Share spot'. In that case we store only the input + output for 90 days so the link works, without tying it to your account or your IP in the clear (only an anonymized hash).
How accurate is it compared to ICMIZER or SnG Wizard?
The engine implements exactly the Malmuth-Harville algorithm for ICM, identical to the one those solvers use. The difference is that we approximate the Nash calling range with published tables and linear interpolation; the typical error vs an exact solver in realistic spots is under 2% of $EV.